Chris Rezek

The busy, exciting and fun-filled life of Durango resident Chris Rezek was abruptly cut short on Monday, June 3, 2013, in a tragic accident.

Born June 19, 1963, to Jerelyn Hawkins and Ray Rezek in San Bernardino, Calif., Chris was a go-getter from the start. Walking at 7 months and causing plenty of trouble for being too hyper in school, he eventually learned to channel that energy as a teenager into playing water polo and running cross-country.

Always selling something and often winning prizes at school fundraisers, Chris was born a businessman. Despite his mother's insistence on attending college, he assured her that college wasn't necessary to achieve his life's goal. He was going to be a "very successful businessman."

On Dec. 7, 1985, he married Sue and gladly accepted the role of being a father to her two children, Joseph and Breanne. Living in Wrightwood, Calif., their family quickly expanded to six when Brett arrived, followed by Caden two years later.

Armed with a single carpet cleaning machine and a burning desire to start a business, the family moved to Durango in 1992.

Working incredibly long hours, Chris not only took care of his four children and wife, suffering from breast cancer, but he also managed to expand his company. After Sue died in 1998, he became a single parent and courageously continued to provide the best life possible for his children.

Happier than ever, the last couple of years was a true testament to the rewards that Chris had earned over his many years of backbreaking work. He had recently purchased his dream property, a ranch in Mancos, where he planned to make a home with Silvia and her two young daughters.

Chris Rezek was a loyal, honest and generous man who loved wholly. He genuinely cared about those he encountered and really just wanted to have fun.

Friends and family celebrated his life all day on Sunday, June 9, at his oldest son's home in Durango. For those who couldn't make it, another event will be planned within the next few weeks.

Arrangements are being made through Ertel Funeral Home. For further information or to send condolences, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.